In many cases xenophobic violence stems from local issues, from crime to poverty. The importance of building relationships between foreign nationals and the different cultural groups within South Africa cannot be overstated.

The xenophobic attacks over the past 9 years have not been isolated incidents, but part of a wider issue of identity, poverty, and insecurity as experienced through out the country.

When Somalians are returning to their homes in the middle of a war zone instead of facing discrimination and violence in South Africa, it is clear that the problem is growing and as of yet has not been resolved.

While it is necessary to have a national strategy to combat xenophobia, local government and community initiates should also be playing critical roles.

Xenophobic attacks are never justified. We should all follow Desmond Tutu's example in outright condemnation of the attacks, as he said in 2008: "We won't tolerate this. Those who have been victims, we want to tell them we are sorry and we will not repeat this."